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The Power of Compounding

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When you’re just starting in your career, you can feel strapped, earning a small salary and trying to make ends meet.  You might not feel like there is any money left over at the end of the month and that’s why some people decide to wait to start saving for retirement. However, the power that time has on your money can’t be understated.

I recently had an opportunity to meet with a long-time client’s daughter.  The goal of the meeting was to give some timely financial advice as she embarks on her new career after college. One of the key points I made was the power of compounding dollars over time.    

Using Time to Compound Money

For instance, if a 25 year old were to save approximately $4,500 a year compounding at 7% she would have close to 1 Million dollars by age 65. But, if she decided to wait to start saving for retirement until she was making more money at age 45, she would need to save $21,904 a year to accomplish the same result. That’s a staggering 486% increase in the dollars she’d need to save compared with the 25-year-old saver.

Knowing Your Benefits

To help with your retirement savings, it’s very important to fully understand your employer benefits before you begin employment.  Many employers will offer qualified retirement savings programs like a 401(k) or 403(b). If these plans exist and the company offers a match on your contributions, you should do everything you can to make sure you at least get the matching dollars.  For instance, in the case of our 25 year old, we know the potential of a $4,500 a year savings and earning 7% on that money. Now, if we factor in an employer match of $2,250, that same 25 year old would have accumulated approximately $1,350,000 over that same time horizon.

The longer you wait to start saving, the more you are going to have to put away. In other words, the pain could be much worse the later you wait.

Matthew Trujillo, CFP®, is a Certified Financial Planner™ at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Matt currently assists Center planners and clients, and is a contributor to Money Centered.

This is a hypothetical illustration and is provided for illustration purposes only and is not intended to reflect the actual performance of any particular security. Future performance cannot be guaranteed and investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. C14-022060

Elder Care Planning: Aging in Place

 In last month’s Elder Care Planning post, we looked at the 4 “C’s” when it comes to housing decisions for older adults; Comfort, Convenience, Companionship and Care. For many, those factors add up to a desire to “age in place.” According to a recent AARP survey, nearly 90 percent of those over age 65 want to stay in their residence for as long as possible and over 80 percent believe that their current home is where they will always live.  The MIT AgeLab reports that close to 90% of all Americans do, indeed, age in their own homes.  So, when it comes to aging in place, what challenges and opportunities come into play when we look at the 4 “C’s”?

Modifying for Comfort

Many people are most comfortable in their own homes.  However, comfort also includes “safety” and this can be a challenge as an individual ages.  Choosing to age in place means planning ahead to make sure that the current living situation is safe as health and mobility changes occur.  There may be a need to have the home modified or remodeled to make aging in place possible.  This can include things like widening doors, adding grab bars, adding a walk-in shower, moving the laundry room to the first floor and adding a chair lift or elevator to a two story home.  These changes can be expensive.

When Convenience Vanishes

The ability for individuals to stay in their own communities and be near people and places they know is of great value.  Depending on the location of the home, it may become a challenge to get to those places that once seemed so handy.  Mobility and transportation may become an issue, which means that it’s important to plan ahead and find resources to help.  Finding a friend, family member, or hired caregiver to assist with mobility and/or transportation can be a solution.  Also, try researching local Area Agency on Aging and Senior Centers that offer transportation services.

Finding Companionship

Once an older adult is on their own in their own home, one of the biggest challenges can be companionship.  Staying social and engaged is vital to successful aging, so for those who live alone, it is important to stay connected.  For some, that means engaging often with family members, friends, and neighbors.  For others, that means finding ways to get to social events, church services, classes, or other activities out of the home.  This may mean hiring a companion or caregiver who can visit several times a week. 

Care at a High Cost

The care component can be the most costly from a financial perspective for those who choose to age in place.  As individuals age, particularly those with chronic health conditions, care needs can be significant.  For some, there are family members and friends who can assist.  However, many people must hire caregivers to provide medical and non-medical assistance.  For those who need full-time care and assistance, the cost to age in place can be high … $10k  - $15k a month*! This is an expense many cannot afford. 

Working with a planning team, including a financial planner, can help older adults plan for what might lie ahead. By identifying future challenges, you can put resources in place.  Planning ahead provides the best opportunity to live the life you wish – at home or elsewhere.

In future posts, we will look at additional housing options for older adults.

This is one post in a running series that addresses Elder Care planning topics.  If you have a specific question or issue you’d like addressed, please contact me at Sandy.Adams@CenterFinPlan.com.

Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In 2012-2014 Sandy has been named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.

Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

*Source: The 2012 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. C14-025162

Celebrating our Team

 Three of our team members can boast a combined tenure with The Center of nearly 40 years! We think it says something about our great culture and these three ladies are a very important part of it. Partner Melissa Joy, CFP® joined our team 15 years ago and Partner Sandy Adams, CFP® has been here for 18 years. Jaclyn Jackson, our Research Associate, became part of The Center family 6 years ago. We couldn’t provide the kind of service for our clients without the commitment of these three. Congratulations Melissa, Sandy and Jaclyn and here’s to many more Centerversaries!

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Is the Saver’s Credit one of the IRS’ best-kept secrets?

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Saving money is tough.  There are so many ways in life to spend money and you can easily find excuses for not contributing to a 401k or an IRA.  But what if someone gave you money at the end of the year as a “reward” for doing the smart thing and saving for retirement?  Would that entice you to begin saving?  Enter what’s known as the “Saver’s Credit” to help you do just that!

What is the Saver’s Credit?

The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (aka the Saver’s Credit) was enacted in 2001 as part of President Bush’s tax cuts, however, many folks are simply not aware it exists.  The Saver’s Credit applies to contributions made to qualified retirement plans (401k, 403b, 457) or to a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA.  To qualify for the credit, adjusted gross income (AGI) must be below $60,000 for married couples or $30,000 for single filers.  The maximum credit available is $1,000 and is a non-refundable credit. For more details check out the IRS website.

A Tax Credit vs. A Tax Deduction

A tax credit is typically more beneficial than a tax deduction, especially for those with income within the required parameters.  For example, if you’re in the 15% tax bracket and received a $1,000 tax deduction, the true tax reduction would be about $150 ($1,000 x 15%).  A tax credit, on the other hand, is a dollar for dollar reduction of tax liability.  For example, if you received the $1,000 maximum “Saver’s Credit” and your total tax liability on the year was $3,000; you would only owe $2,000 in tax. 

How do I claim the Saver’s Credit?

If you fit the AGI parameters, you need to complete form 8800.  Make sure your tax professional or tax software program is generating this form for you to make sure you are taking advantage of the credit.  Many tax software programs that offer free services are for very simple returns (1040EZ), so always be sure that the type of return you are purchasing will, in fact, allow you to take the deductions and credits that are applicable to your situation.

Who can take advantage of this tax credit?

Personally, I see this as a great opportunity for recent college graduates who are entering the work force and have “retirement savings” as number 24 on their “top 25 ways to use my paycheck”.  Many are starting off earning an income that falls within the range to take advantage of the credit and are just simply not aware that this incentive exists to save for retirement.  This is also a great opportunity for parents or grandparents to consider gifting to the young adult so they can take advantage of the credit if they simply cannot afford to make any type of retirement contribution currently.  One stipulation the parent or grandparent may put on the gift is that any added tax refund from the credit needs to be re-deposited into a retirement account.  It’s a great way to begin good savings habits that will hopefully last a lifetime!

Need more information on how to put this tax credit to work for you? Please contact me and we’ll take a look at your personal case to see if the Saver’s Credit is an option.

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™ at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Nick currently assists Center planners and clients, and is a contributor to Money Centered and Center Connections.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Consult a tax professional for any tax matters. C14-023683

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Tips to Help Avoid a Tax Audit

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Nothing gets the blood pumping like a notice from the IRS letting you know you’re in for a tax audit.  According to Kipplinger Magazine, there are signs some tax payers are more susceptible to audits than others. 

Here are some red flags for the IRS:

  1. High income: Incomes over $200,000 are 26% more likely to be audited, as well as one in nine persons earning over $1 million dollars.

  2. Failing to report all taxable income:  Tax payers forget the IRS gets copies of all 1099’s and a mismatch sends a red flag.

  3. Taking large charitable deductions:  Be sure you know the rules regarding various kinds of charitable gifts and you can document not only the amounts given but the charities as well.

  4. Business write-offs: Deducting business meals, travel and other expenses.  Again, there are guidelines on what you may and may not deduct—be sure to follow them.

  5. Claiming 100% business use of vehicle:  Very few workers use their car for business all the time.

  6. Taking alimony deductions:  These deductions can only be taken when made part of a separation or divorce decree---not arbitrarily.

  7. Running a small business:  The IRS is well aware there are many opportunities for tax deductions but again the rules are precise—follow them.

  8. Failing to report a foreign bank account:  New rules have gone into effect in 2014. Foreign bank accounts will require registrations and will be reported to the IRS.

  9. Engaging in currency transactions:  Cash deposits and withdrawals over $10,000 are reported—be ready to explain.

  10. Taking higher than average deductions:  The IRS has estimated percentages of deductions they deem “average” for various income levels.  If your deductions fall outside these estimates, be ready to explain.

If you have any of the above deductions, have detailed documentation on the what, when and why of your deductions.  Good record keeping can help make the audit go away as easily as it was announced.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. C14-022520

New Quicken Features for Raymond James Investor Access Users

 If you use Quicken software for Windows or Mac, recent updates to the Raymond James system will help by providing you easier access to your account(s). Quicken Direct Connect is now available to all clients enrolled in Investor Access who use Quicken software for budgeting and money management. Direct Connect communicates directly with a client’s Investor Access account(s), allowing you to update your Investor Access account data directly within Quicken.

Previously, Raymond James offered Quicken Web Connect to Windows users only. Web Connect requires clients to manually log in to Investor Access and take action to update their account information in Quicken. Now, Mac users may also use Quicken Web Connect.

System Requirements

Raymond James supports the following Quicken® products for both Web Connect and Direct Connect:

  • Quicken® for Windows – the most current version of Quicken® and the two prior versions
  • Quicken® for Mac – Quicken® Essentials for Mac 2010; Quicken® 2007 for Mac using OSX 10.7 or later

Accessing Direct Connect

Current Raymond James Web Connect Users:

You now have access to Quicken Direct Connect but must upgrade your existing account(s) in Quicken to use Direct Connect. You should have received an alert in Investor Access regarding the upgrade requirements. 

New Raymond James Direct Connect Users:

If you have not used Raymond James Quicken Web Connect downloads, you can begin using Quicken Direct Connect by logging into Quicken. You can access the Quicken® Download page in Investor Access by clicking Account Services, Client Tools, and then clicking the Quicken® Downloads link.

 

Searching for yield outside savings accounts, CDs or treasuries

 A few nights ago my 7-year-old daughter and I sat on her bed and opened up her “Ariel the Mermaid” coin bank as it was starting to overflow.  While we were rolling up the coins she asked, “What are we going to do with this money?”  I explained we are going to the bank and deposit it into her account and, in exchange for holding it, they will pay her more money.  Her eyes lit up and she asked how much. Putting it as simply as possible, I explained that her $20 bill would earn about $.05 in one year.  She looked at me with her brow furrowed and said why would I do that? 

Why, indeed, is a good question many savers are asking themselves today.  People are feeling compelled to take much more risk in order to earn what a simple savings account was paying me when I was a teenager.

Seeking Higher Returns

During the recent Morningstar Investment Conference, many portfolio managers were expressing concerns on this vey topic.  Investors have gravitated toward high yield and floating rate bonds at alarming rates in the past few years in the absence of a reasonable interest rate from the savings accounts, CDs or treasuries. The chart below shows how many billions of dollars have flowed into strategies that invest in floating rate (blue bar) and high yield bonds (gray bar) each of the last ten years. You can see the spike in the past five years as rates were driven to historical lows by the Federal Reserve.

1st Quarter JP Morgan Guide to the Markets; Flows include ETFs and are as of May 2014. Past performance is not indicative of comparable future results.

Many investors don't realize that high yield bonds are highly correlated to stocks and when stocks go down these types of bonds will also likely take a hit.  Even more concerning managers like Ben Inker of GMO and Michael Hasenstab of Franklin Templeton, see a lack of liquidity in this market.  This means if they do start to go down and people start running for the exits, there may be no willing buyers in the marketplace until the prices get low enough, resulting in potentially amplified losses to the investors left holding the bonds.  Suddenly the 4.9%* interest rate doesn't sound high enough for taking on that level of risk.  These types of investments should be no substitute for a regular savings account even though the interest rates are embarrassing!

So while my daughter may never know compelling savings accounts yields in her childhood, I still find teaching her this simple process of money and saving an invaluable lesson to start at a young age!

*Yield on Barclays Capital Corporate High Yield Index as of 6/30/2014

Angela Palacios, CFP®is the Portfolio Manager at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Angela specializes in Investment and Macro economic research. She is a frequent contributor to Money Centered as well asinvestment updates at The Center.

The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Bonds are subject to interest rate risks. Bond prices generally fall when interest rates rise. High-yield (below investment grade) bonds are not suitable for all investors. When appropriate, these bonds should only comprise a modest portion of your portfolio. All indexes are unmanaged and an individual cannot invest directly in an index. Index returns do not include fees or expenses. The Barclays Capital High Yield Index covers the universe of fixed rate, non-investment grade debt. Pay-in-kind (PIK) bonds, Eurobonds and debt issues from countries designated as emerging markets (e.g., Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, etc.) are excluded, but Canadian and global bonds (SEC registered) of issuers in non-EMG countries are included. Original issue zeroes, step-up coupon structures, and 144-As are also included. Michael Hasenstab, Ben Inker and GMO are independent of Raymond James. C14-022057

Social Security: Delaying vs. Collecting Retirement Benefits

 The wonderful and frustrating Socratic Method I learned in law school taught me that, for most issues, there were two plausible sides or conclusions.  Much to the chagrin of my colleagues (and dare I say my family at times) this perspective can be downright maddening.  So, as I apologize to those that have to deal with me every day! But in many instances, I also believe that it has served clients well.  As much as we’d all like a simple rule or answer at times, many of life’s decisions, and certainly financial decisions, are best contemplated based on the specific facts and circumstances. 

There may not be a greater example than this financial dilemma:

When do I begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits?

The majority of Americans take Social Security benefits at the earliest date possible, age 62, for the mere fact that they require the funds for everyday living expenses.  For those that have the financial flexibility, implementing the maximum social security strategy comes down to your specific circumstances.

Both Sides of the Social Security Coin

Financial Advisor Magazine recently published two articles on social security.  The first, Many Retirees Wish They Had Waited To Take Social Security and the second, Taking Social Security Early Can Make Sense. Your immediate response might be like mine, well wait a minute, which one is it?  Both articles do a fine job representing the pros and cons as I have shared in the past; and ultimately conclude that the “correct” decision is very individualized.

Delaying vs. Collecting at 66

The benefit of waiting past age 62 is that you will receive more each month.  And, if you wait until age 70 you will receive an 8% Delayed Credit each year from age 66 (technically from your full retirement age for people born between 1943 and 1954).  For those with a long life expectancy, waiting can add substantial dollars; but they are not realized until age 80 in most calculations.

However, delaying comes with a risk too.  If you delay and pass away early (and I say any age is considered too early), this will result in a substantial loss at best and a total loss at worst.  Also, is it reasonable to perhaps take funds from your own investments that ultimately pass to your heirs, while you wait to cross over the breakeven point?   

As shared in an earlier blog post of mine, couples have additional variables to consider due to what essentially amounts to joint life expectancy decisions.  

Whether you are single or a couple, getting the Social Security decision correct can be substantial.  I promise to go easy with the Socratic Method … but considering all of the questions and variables of your individual circumstances may lead to better decisions for you and your family.  Give us a call if we can help!

Timothy Wyman, CFP®, JD is the Managing Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and is a frequent contributor to national media including appearances on Good Morning America Weekend Edition and WDIV Channel 4 News and published articles including Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. A leader in his profession, Tim served on the National Board of Directors for the 28,000 member Financial Planning Association™ (FPA®), trained and mentored hundreds of CFP® practitioners and is a frequent speaker to organizations and businesses on various financial planning topics.

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website’s users and/or members. C14-019070

Curtain Call

 The Center's Team enjoys sharing their knowledge with the press to help stories come to life, share facts and bring important topics to the forefront.  We are also honored when we are recognized by media and publications for our work and service to our profession. Here's what's new:

Daniel Boyce, CFP® Recognized by Investment News

Dan received an Honorable Mention Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the Investment News Community Leadership Awards. Dan’s award is based on his contributions to Detroit ChamberWinds & Strings over many years.

The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation and Investment News announced finalists for the eighth annual Community Leadership Awards. The awards recognize the philanthropic work financial advisers perform in their communities and around the world.

5 Center Planners Recognized by Hour Detroit Magazine

Center team members Sandra Adams CFP®, Daniel Boyce CFP®, Matthew Chope CFP®, Laurie Renchik CFP®, and Timothy Wyman, CFP® received recognition by Five Star Professional in the June 2014 issue of Hour Detroit Magazine. They were named to the 2014 Five Star Wealth Managers list, a select group of wealth managers in the Detroit area.

Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative or a registered investment advisor, actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standards, and accepting new clients. One and five year retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served and education and professional designations are criteria that is considered. This award is bestowed by an independent third party organization not affiliated with Raymond James.

EU Makes History by Setting Negative Interest Rates

 Some of you may have seen headlines recently regarding the European Central Bank’s (ECB) move to set interest rates on deposits from 0% to -.10%.   This is the first time in history that a major global central bank has made a move like this.  It’s important to note that this negative interest rate does not directly apply to customers of EU banks who deposit their money in savings and checking accounts.  The ECB is only applying this negative interest rate on deposits that banks make with the ECB.  In other words, the ECB is trying to penalize banks for parking large sums of money with the central bank, rather than lending it to consumers.   

Why set negative interest rates?

What is the ECB hoping to accomplish?  To answer this question I need to provide a little background on what’s been going on lately in the European economy.  The European Union (EU) has been going through a period of disinflation lately and there is much worry that it may fall into deflation. Disinflation is a slowing in the rate of inflation.  In the instance of the EU, the central bank estimates that increases in the general prices of goods and services has slowed over the last 12 months from 1.6% to .49% (as of May of 2014). If this trend continues, the ECB worries that deflation could set in, which is a general decrease in the price of goods and services.

What’s so bad about deflation?

Now this might not sound bad to many readers. After all, if the price of gas goes from $3.80 down to $2.80 that’s great, right? However, if companies aren’t making as much money on their products, they have to cut costs elsewhere in order to maintain the bottom line, and that ultimately means lower wages for workers. Which means less discretionary income to spend and the economy can get caught in a deflationary trap that can be hard to get out of.  

The hope is that setting a negative interest rate will stimulate lending and therefore growth in the economy. This could lead to slightly increasing inflation, which most experts agree is a better option over the long term than deflation. Will it work?  Experts are divided on how effective this monetary policy will ultimately be on the European economy, but like many things, only time will tell. 

Matthew Trujillo, CFP®, is a Registered Support Associate at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Matt currently assists Center planners and clients, and is a contributor to Money Centered.

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